The biggest weakness on the Atlanta Falcons roster isn’t really a secret. That’s evident by the fact that in the same week, two analysts pointed to it as the team’s glaring hole.
On a list where ESPN’s Field Yates named one last offseason roster move for every NFL team, he called for the Falcons to add a wide receiver.
“If you’ve been reading this piece from top to bottom, you’ve seen this suggestion pop up already in a few places. But it’s especially true in Atlanta where the team’s depth chart beyond Drake London is currently led by Mack Hollins and Scotty Miller,” wrote Yates. “While the Falcons ran the ball on the highest percentage of plays in the league last year (51.1% of offensive plays) and have two possible stars in London and tight end Kyle Pitts, they simply must address the receiver spot with either someone already available or someone who could become available.”
Yates’ assessment of Atlanta’s receiving core came a day after practically the same analysis from NFL.com’s Kevin Patra. Patra named the Falcons’ need at receiver the eighth-biggest roster hole left in the entire league.
The Falcons signed wide receivers Mack Hollins, Scotty Miller and Penny Hart in free agency. But Yates and Patra are clearly unconvinced any of them will make a major impact.
Hollins broke out with 57 receptions and 690 receiving yards last season. But he turns 30 in September and last year is his only season with more than 226 yards.
With that in mind, perhaps last year will prove to be an aberration for Hollins.
Miller had 501 receiving yards while averaging 15.2 yards per catch in 2020. But since then, he only had 223 receiving yards in 24 contests.
Hart has just 11 catches and 82 yards in his entire career.
Entering the offseason, the Falcons’ two biggest needs were wide receiver and pass rusher. I would argue Atlanta could still use another edge rusher to go with the defensive additions they’ve already made.
But Kaden Elliss, Bud Dupree and Calais Campbell should make the Falcons better at getting after opposing quarterback. So, it’s hard to argue receiver hasn’t become the team’s biggest need.
